The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune

The government is trying to attempt to balance its budget by increasing revenues. One of these measures was to increase VAT by 60%. At the time there was considerable negative comment about the proposal but on July 1, 2018 the increased rate was introduced, not even a reduction in the rate!

At the same time the government introduced a sliding tax scale on the Numbers Houses. The previous level of tax was woefully low, however, this proposal also caused a stir among those in the business. Unfortunately, there was a significant difference between the two scenarios – the Numbers Houses are small in number and have access to vast financial resources to launch a legal appeal. The end result being that no new tax has yet been collected and it appears that the government may even scale back on its proposed rates.

I have a strong and sincere issue with this conclusion should it prove to be correct. Not only does the action deprive the government of much needed revenue, it is equally apparent that the shortfall will have to be borne by the general public who pay the higher rate of VAT.

The business of Numbers Houses should in my opinion be taxed at the highest level as they are parasites living off the poor people. It keeps these people below the poverty line and causes significant social issues amongst them – e.g. poor housing, lack of utilities, lack of nutrition etc. Gambling is a “disease” and to feed off this disease by the accumulation of significant wealth to just a few people is ethically and morally wrong. During the dialogue it was proposed, at one time, that the “winners” should be taxed. I would agree with this position, however, I define the real “winners” as the Owners.

Government let’s get serious and enforce the law.

FAIR & BALANCED

Nassau

January 24, 2019